Technology entrepreneurs, investors, and key players in the startup ecosystem gathered in Sapanca for the 15th annual event organized by METU and METU Technopark.
The Inspiration Weekend, a special event celebrating the 15th anniversary of YFYI (Young Entrepreneurs of the Year), supported by Elginkan Foundation, TEB, Elder, EPDK, e-PttAVM, OSTİM, TechSquare, and TÜPRAŞ, brought together past and 2019 YFYI entrepreneurs with investors and key players in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Participants had the opportunity to listen to unique content including stories of failure, inspiring speeches, investor talks, and perspectives on the entrepreneurial world from YFYI alumni.
At the YFYI Demo Day, 24 entrepreneurs participating in the YFYI Acceleration Program, which supports both idea-stage ventures and early-stage startups in need of commercialization support, presented their projects. Meeting with YFYI partners and investors, these entrepreneurs had the opportunity to reach their first customers and conduct investment meetings, leveraging YFYI's extensive network.
Bridge function
Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, Vice Rector of METU and Deputy Chairman of the METU Technopark Board of Directors, stated that METU, in line with its value-creating innovation ecosystem strategy, transfers its research capabilities and potential to many areas, from entrepreneurship to industry. Yozgatlıgil noted that through the ongoing studies and programs, the university acts as a bridge connecting its academics, students, and research centers with entrepreneurs, technology companies, and public institutions and organizations.
Pioneering program
Serdar Alemdar, General Manager of METU Technopark, explained how METU Technopark has played a significant role in the development of technology entrepreneurship in Turkey for nearly 20 years; he pointed out that it serves as a role model in the technology entrepreneurship ecosystem and that YFYI, as the first and pioneering program in this regard, acts as a driving force.
Drawing on his own entrepreneurial journey, Alemdar emphasized that he doesn't believe in large-scale entrepreneurship training programs, and stated that they completed the YFYI 2019 process with a lean and results-oriented approach, focusing on the needs of entrepreneurs through planned, targeted training and intensive mentoring.
At the YFYI Demo Day, following the final presentations, the winning entrepreneurial teams were determined. In addition to the Special Award from OSTIM, which has supported YFYI since its first year, Ostim Technopark also presented awards to 3 entrepreneurial teams.
OSTİM award goes to the boron carbide project
The OSTİM Special Award, worth 20,000 TL, was presented to the Powder Tech team at the final ceremony in Sapanca. The team produces boron carbide at room temperature using a technological method they developed, which can be achieved at 2500°C. This results in a 95% energy saving, a 96% time saving, and an 11% improvement in powder quality. While boron ore costs $1, boron carbide costs $2000; cubic boron nitride, which Powder Tech has begun developing, costs $6000. The product is in the preliminary prototype stage, and development and testing are ongoing.
OSTİM Board Chairman Orhan Aydın said, “We have been a part of this program since its first year. We are very pleased about this. I would like to extend my thanks to METU and METU Technopark and everyone who contributed to the organization. I congratulate everyone who participated in this competition. We, OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone, Ostim Technopark, OSTİM Technical University, and the clusters, are among you. I expect that those who are carrying out their projects here, especially those in Ankara, will somehow find their way to OSTİM. OSTİM is needed by everyone. We are waiting for you all.”
Ostim Technopark provides support to 3 teams
Ostim Technopark Inc., Ankara's most centrally located technopark, presented awards at the YFYI (Young Businessmen's Fair) for the first time this year. The company awarded Alp Imaging, EarFit, and Notrino Research teams with a one-year free workspace and free access to machinery, equipment, and training at the Technology Production Workshop for one year.
Adem Arıcı, Regional Manager of OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ostim Technopark Inc., stated that they were happy to be a part of the YFYİ family from the very beginning of the organization.
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